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Personalised trail mix!

We all know that healthy snacking is an important cornerstone of health. Whether you are an avid trail runner or enjoy an easy hike, trail mix is a great option. But those measly packets of nuts, raisins and seeds don’t come cheap, so why not just make up your own?

Who invented trail mix?

The legend goes that trail mix was first invented in 1968 by two California surfers who blended raisins and peanuts together for an energy snack. It makes sense: if you need a quick energy-boost, then easy-to-carry and non-perishable trail-mix is hard to beat.

Trail mix changes with trends

However it may have started, the mix has come a very long way from just two ingredients! You can find exotic items like goji berries in your pack, and the list of ingredients has grown to include spices like cayenne pepper and ginger.

One handful is enough

Trail mix was meant to give you a much-needed calorie punch while out on the waves or the hiking trail, so don’t use it as an all-day snack! Keep your serving to one handful or a quarter cup which is more than enough to fill you up.

A batch can stay fresh for more than a month.

  • When you get your dried ingredients make sure that the nuts aren’t stale.
  • Use a clean and dry sealable container to make up your mix – seal it properly each time you take out a serving of mix.
  • Use a spoon or scoop to serve your mix – don’t take it out by hand.
  • Finish off a batch before you mix another – that way you won’t end up with stale seeds or rancid peanuts.

Here is a list of trail mix ingredients, use your imagination to mix and match:

Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews and peanuts. Note that macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, and pine nuts are higher in fat content, so don’t put too many into your mix.

Seeds: sunflower, pumpkin, sesame or flax are great ingredients for energy and making your trail mix go further.

Fruit: dried cranberries, apples, cherries, goji berries, apricots, blueberries, strawberries, raisins, banana chips, figs, mango strips, pineapple chunks and dates are all fabulous ingredients! Use fruit in moderation to keep your mix delicious, but balanced.

The wild side

If you’re wanting a taste sensation, try throwing some cacao nibs, wasabi peas, coconut flakes, sesame sticks, dried ginger or coffee beans into the mix! Happy trails.

Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com

Sources: http://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/5-healthy-homemade-trail-mix-recipes-that-go-the-distance.html/?a=viewall

http://greatist.com/health/21-healthier-trail-mix-ideas